Hello again, everyone!
I apologize for not posting at all for the last few weeks. It has been super busy for me.
As some of you know, I started a new job a little over a month ago. I absolutely love it and have already learned so much from my colleagues. It has been such an exciting journey for me and I am so thankful that my workplace has become a big blessing in my life.
Lately I've been thinking about how I want to include Jesus and my faith into my work. I am not one who feels comfortable preaching sermons to my co-workers and forcing religion on them or getting into debates. I often find that it not only offends people, but it also turns them away from wanting to know more about God.
For me, I strive to live by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi. He said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Basically, my actions, attitude, behavior, etc. are just as effective at leading people closer to God than if I only used my words to try to debate with others. But if someone asks me about my faith, I am completely comfortable telling them about why I love Jesus and what He has done for me so far. I am super open to talking about my faith with those around me, but I want them to approach me about it instead of chasing people around with a Bible and telling them to repent for their sins.
The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Christ calls us to share our faith with others so they can experience forgiveness and salvation. Some of us have different ways to share their faith. Here are just some of mine.
1.) Pray over your co-workers, bosses, and executives. I like to arrive at work just a few extra minutes early. This gives me a chance to start my workday with a quick prayer asking God to bless all my colleagues and protect them from harm. I like to pray over each individual by name and lift them up to God.
2.) I love building relationships with people and getting to know them one-on-one. Everyone has their own quirks, interests, ideas, etc. and it's so refreshing to learn about them and ask questions about their lives. It shows them that you value them and that what they have to say is important to you. Once you build a personal relationship with people, it is a lot easier to talk about things like faith and religion because you already have a certain level of comfort and trust.
3.) Be a source of joy and light. Every workplace has its fair share of drama, stress, and negativity. Instead of being sucked into the whirlwind of chaos, do your best to remain calm, positive, and energetic. Your attitude reveals a lot about you and may attract people to you. I have had a handful of people approach me and ask me how I can be so happy or feel so energetic. I often tell them that my energy and joy is mainly possible because of my strong faith in God. I know things will be okay and work out because I have witnessed God work in my life. If they are interested and open to me sharing that, then I will sometimes tell them about specific instances where God has helped me. But even if you don't say anything about your faith, your attitude and demeanor will either make people interested or it will repel people away from you.
Scripture:
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:15-16
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." -Acts 20:24
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -1 Peter 3: 15-16
Let's go and spread God's love and grace to all those we come in contact with. If we truly love Jesus, we want others to get to know him too. At the same time, let's all try to be humble, gentle, and kind. Not everyone is ready to hear about God, and we need to also be sensitive to that too.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Monday, January 1, 2018
Prayer & A Blessing For 2018
Happy New Year! Wow! 2018 has arrived and I am so excited to see what God has in store for this new year.
We all have resolutions and goals for 2018. I shared some of mine in a previous post, but I think many of us can relate to wanting this year to be filled with joy, peace, and kindness. The best part of that goal, is that we can all do something to make those things actually happen. We can all spread joy, peace, and kindness to other people around us. In return, those things will come back to us. God wants us to be people who live by joy and hope. This is the perfect time to celebrate a new year, new dreams, new jobs, new relationships, new passions. We have so much to be grateful for. When we live our lives out of a place of thankfulness and wonder, we become much more capable to become more like the people God wants us to. So here is a little prayer followed by a blessing for each and every one of you.
Father,
Thank You for the gift of a new year. This is a time to reflect on how amazing You have been to me, even when I didn't deserve any of it. This is a year to savor and cherish the people You have placed in my life and to constantly be thankful for them. This is a year to dive into something new and exciting that You have planned in advance for me. Lord, give me the courage, obedience, and faith to follow You wherever You lead me and to enjoy the journey with You by my side. Father, I ask that this year will be productive for me. May I work hard at developing the special gifts You have entrusted to me. May I learn how to use those gifts to better serve You and others around me. Help me to bring light and joy to all those I interact with. Keep me from becoming irritable at people or situations, and to instead think of ways to worship You. May I be someone who encourages other people and inspires them to follow You. Thank You, Father for this new year and a chance to start fresh. I ask that You would bless this year and I am excited to see what plans You have in store for me.
Amen.
May our Savior fill your hearts with abundant joy and peace as You continue to walk with Him. May you be surrounded by people who encourage you and fill your life with kindness and grace. May you grow closer to Jesus and find new ways to worship Him and lift His name on high even if you feel like you are walking through the darkest and lowest valley. May you be surrounded by armies of angels and be protected from the enemy's snares. May this year be overflowing with blessings, adventures, and laughter, and with people who will always pray with you and for you. You are deeply loved and cherished. You are talented, strong, brave, and capable. I pray that 2018 will be the best year yet for you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
We all have resolutions and goals for 2018. I shared some of mine in a previous post, but I think many of us can relate to wanting this year to be filled with joy, peace, and kindness. The best part of that goal, is that we can all do something to make those things actually happen. We can all spread joy, peace, and kindness to other people around us. In return, those things will come back to us. God wants us to be people who live by joy and hope. This is the perfect time to celebrate a new year, new dreams, new jobs, new relationships, new passions. We have so much to be grateful for. When we live our lives out of a place of thankfulness and wonder, we become much more capable to become more like the people God wants us to. So here is a little prayer followed by a blessing for each and every one of you.
Father,
Thank You for the gift of a new year. This is a time to reflect on how amazing You have been to me, even when I didn't deserve any of it. This is a year to savor and cherish the people You have placed in my life and to constantly be thankful for them. This is a year to dive into something new and exciting that You have planned in advance for me. Lord, give me the courage, obedience, and faith to follow You wherever You lead me and to enjoy the journey with You by my side. Father, I ask that this year will be productive for me. May I work hard at developing the special gifts You have entrusted to me. May I learn how to use those gifts to better serve You and others around me. Help me to bring light and joy to all those I interact with. Keep me from becoming irritable at people or situations, and to instead think of ways to worship You. May I be someone who encourages other people and inspires them to follow You. Thank You, Father for this new year and a chance to start fresh. I ask that You would bless this year and I am excited to see what plans You have in store for me.
Amen.
May our Savior fill your hearts with abundant joy and peace as You continue to walk with Him. May you be surrounded by people who encourage you and fill your life with kindness and grace. May you grow closer to Jesus and find new ways to worship Him and lift His name on high even if you feel like you are walking through the darkest and lowest valley. May you be surrounded by armies of angels and be protected from the enemy's snares. May this year be overflowing with blessings, adventures, and laughter, and with people who will always pray with you and for you. You are deeply loved and cherished. You are talented, strong, brave, and capable. I pray that 2018 will be the best year yet for you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
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