Posts Tagged ‘Pressure at Work’
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Have you ever suddenly been faced with a real tough situation that you didn’t see coming; a situation that causes all of your emotions to surface and causes you to become confused, frustrated, and angry. I don’t know about you, but my immediate urge is to engage, take action, do something to fix the problem, and take care of things on my own, in my own way, and in my own timing.
My results are probably similar to yours; we dscover we are not qualified to handle the issue on our own; we over react, make mistakes, things get worse and we get even more frustrated because the issue does not improve or get resolved in our timing, if at all.
So, what should we do; how should we respond when our life spirals out of control? I think we can learn some helpful lessons from the following scriptures.
And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear…(Mark 14:47)
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”…(John 18:10-11)
Just before the events described, Judas has betrayed Jesus, and as the authorities are attempting to arrest Jesus, Peter decides to take matters into his own hands. Peter’s timing is so amazing; his tact is one to match. I mean, think of it. Of all the places to cut someone with a sword, he chooses an ear? How about the leg, or the arm, or the stomach….okay, you get the point. Peter doesn’t even know how to fight, yet he is right there passionatley picking up the sword, trying to do battle. Well, look what happens next; Jesus is right there to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess–literally. “But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”…(Luke 22:51)
Isn’t it true that so often we are like Peter in many ways. Our timing is off because we allow our feelings and emotions to control us and we reactively take matters into our own hands. But God’s ways and timing are always right because He’s always sovereign. So, we need to learn to be patient and go with His flow. Trust and rely in God’s perfect timing in all circumstances, even when things don’t look or seem right to us. We don’t like to “be still” and wait on him; we want things to happen right away. Waiting is not typically in our vocabulary. God always goes before us to make a way that is good and best. He is faithful, and he wants us to be fauthful.
And at times, we are too eager to pick up the sword and start swinging. Not only are we not capable of such matters, we really have no business taking the offensive. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says that the battle belongs to the Lord. Paul commands us to pick up the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), but that’s not a weapon against people; it’s the Word of God that penetrates our very souls. We are to pick up God’s Word, read it, apply it, and share it with others. Instead of relying on your own strength and your own timing, trust in our Lord’s timing and in His supernatural ability to come to your aid.
And the beauty is this: He’s there to pick up the pieces in your life. Maybe you have a few pieces lying around that need to be healed. Maybe it’s a marriage or a relationship or a career. Maybe it’s some anger, bitterness, or pride that has entered into your heart. Whatever that may be, let Jesus Christ heal it. Let Him pick up the pieces of your life. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Trust and fully rely on the One who promises to make all things new.
When you do this you will be Happy in Life and at Work.
Tags: Be Happy, Bitterness, Conflict Resolution, Contentment, Failure, Get out of the pit, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Happy Marriage, Happy Relationship, Hope, Joy, Life Crisis, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Overcome Anger, Overcoming Discouragement, Pressure at Work, Resolving Conflict, successful career, Victorious Life, Wisdom
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
The following wonderful and challenging message is from Os Hillman.
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.
Psalm 55:12-13
“You will always be attacked in the place of your inheritance,” said the man sitting across the breakfast table. “God has called you to bring people together and to impact other people’s lives as a result of this anointing in your life. You must make sure that you seek to maintain righteousness in all of your relationships.” Those words came from someone who had the wisdom and authority to speak them to me.
I have had a number of close relationships that ended in betrayal. I am very loyal to my friends and those with whom I have covenant relationships. Yet there are times that no matter how righteous you are, when someone means to betray you, he will do it. Loving those who betray you is “graduate-level Christianity.” The religious community and one of His closest friends betrayed Jesus. Those who were closest to David betrayed him. Joseph’s own family betrayed him. Loving our enemies cannot be accomplished by mustering it up. It can only happen when we have come to a death in ourselves so that Christ can love through us. It is truly one of those acts of identifying with the cross.
If you are a leader, you can be sure God will allow you to experience betrayal. It is one of those courses in the Kingdom that may not be required until God has seen that you have successfully passed other tests. It is the most difficult and most gut wrenching of all tests. A godly response goes against all that is in us. Our natural response is to protect, retaliate, and retain unforgiveness and bitterness. Our natural response is satan’s most powerful weapon; to overcome it requires much grace from God. Ask God to build His nature in you now so that when such attacks come, you will be aware that it is a test and you will respond in righteousness.
A suggested resource to go along with this exhortation is “Real Love In The Workplace” by Greg Baer M.D.
Tags: Balanced Life, Be Happy, Betrayal, Bitterness, Conflict Resolution, Contentment, Discouragement, Faithfulness, Happiness, Happy Life, Happy Relationship, Hope, Joy, Leadership, Life Crisis, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Overcome Anger, Overcoming Discouragement, Pain, Peace, Pressure at Work, Relationships, Righteousness, Success, successful career, Unforgiveness, Victorious Life, Work Life Balance, Workplace Relationships
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
I remember having a lot of questions growing up, and I recall doing many things I should not have done and getting into allot of trouble because of the choices I made. As a teenager and young adult, I thought I knew it all; ends up I was wrong about that! Because I thought I knew it all, I rarely, if ever, went to my father for advice or counsel. As I got older, I realized that my dad was, in fact, a vault of wisdom, and that had I sought his guidance earlier in life, I could have avoided a lot of grief and pain. Some might say I was “stuck on stupid”.
Now I realize that making mistakes and going through those tough times, taught me some good lessons, but as they say “we can do this the easy way, or we can do it the hard way”. My point is that there are times when our “unhappiness” is brought on because we think we know it all and charge ahead without getting good counsel and advice from those that have been there before. You may have heard that “a smart man learns from his own mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others”. I can attest to the truth and accuracy of this statement.
So, if you desire to experience happiness in life and at work, I encourage you to seek counsel as you face key decisions in your life and at work. And, just as listening to the counsel of our fathers is important and helpful when we are growing up, so it is important to seek the counsel of our Heavenly Father, the one who created us, loves us immeasurably, and has a wonderful plan for our lives. Emmanuel, God with us, promises to never leave us nor forsake us, so you can count on him to be there for you; turn to him and trust him, especially when the going gets tough.
I know that, just as it is/was often hard to approach your dad about life issues, it can be uncomfortable to approach God, your Heavenly Father. So, How do you turn to him? God says:
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
(He is there, he will respond, and he wants to be your friend, spend time with you, and help you.)
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21)
(If you turn to him, God promises to change your heart and your life; he will lift you up and bring real peace into your life.)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:4-6)
(Go to him, talk to him (in prayer) like you would to your earthly father or trusted friend, share with him your heart, your struggles, your pain, and your fears, and ask him to help you, to give you direction, strength, courage, and hope.)
If this is new to you, and you desire “a peace that passes all understanding”, ask God to reveal himself to you and to help you know that he is real. Acknowledge to him that you hurt and are unhappy and that you know you have done some things that have contributed to your own unhappiness (sin). Invite him into your life and into your heart. Put your trust in Him and his son Jesus, who died on the cross so that you and I can personally know and have a real, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. He yearns to be involved in our lives. Ask him to change you and your life, to give you the peace and joy that you desire, and to direct the steps of your life going forward.
Here are two simple acronyms to help you as you pray:
Pray for God’s leading
Respond to God’s direction and calling
Ask for and express thanks for God’s provision
Yield to God’s will
Adoration (praise your Heavenly Father for who he is; let him know how much you love him)
Confession (seek Your Heavenly Father’s forgiveness for the things you have done that keep the two of you apart (sin))
Thanksgiving (express your gratitude for the many blessings your Heavenly Father has provided you)
Supplication (let your Heavenly Father know the desires of your heart)
Leave me a comment to know what God does in and through your life. God bless!
And, to better understand the power of prayer for you and your family, consider the following resources:
Tags: Be Happy, Contentment, Faithfulness, Happiness, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Happy Marriage, Happy Relationship, Hope, Joy, Life Counsel, Life Crisis, Life Guidance, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Overcoming Discouragement, Pain, Peace, Power of Prayer, Prayer, Pressure at Work, Unhappiness, Victorious Life
Posted in Be Happy, Family | No Comments »
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Do you have distractions in your life? Of course, we all do.
Distractions are the poison of life. Thye keep us from seeing and being a part of God’s work in and around us. Author Leighton Ford knew this, so he began a journey of longing and looking for God. And it started with paying attention.
In the pages of his book, The Attentive Life: Discerning God’s Presence in All Things, he invites you to journey with him as he seeks to rid himself of distractions and live the joyfilled, purposeful life God intended.
I encourage you to read this book!
Ford will walk with you, helping you pay attention to God’s work in you and around you throughout each day and in different seasons of your life. He will help you to realize that spending time alone with God, away from the normal distractions of life, will bring you a peace never before experienced. You will learn to abide rather than strive. You will learn to trust God more and worry less. You will learn to hear God’s still, quiet voice and be confident in your focus and pupose each day.
So, If you’re busy, distracted, discouraged, disillusioned, and tired of rushing through each day, you might be feeling disconnected from God, unable to see how he’s working and how you fit into his work. But the way toward him starts with a pause and a prayer with intention and attention and becomes a way of life, awake and alive to the peaceful, powerful presence of God.
I hope you enjoy The Attentive Life by Leighton Ford.
Tags: Abiding, Attentive Life, Balanced Life, Be Happy, Contentment, Discouragement, Freedom, Get out of the pit, Happiness, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Happy Marriage, Happy Relationship, Joy, Living a Happy Life, Obedience, Overcoming Discouragement, Peace, Pressure at Work, Rest, Success, successful career, Victorious Life, Work Life Balance
Posted in Be Happy | 1 Comment »
Friday, October 30th, 2009
Lifa and work can get complicated and steal our joy. When that happnes we can’t discover and experience the greatness God intended for us. Here’s a little reminder about maintaining your joy…not letting your circumstances determine your attitude, remembering to pray and move your feet, continuing to chase after our dreams, remaining courageous and perseverant, holding onto our faith, never growing weary of giving and sharing, always being kind and gentle, cherrishing the simple things and moments with friends and family…being who God created you to be!
To be encourged, inspired and comforted, please click on the banner…
Tags: Be Happy, Contentment, Courage, Discouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, Freedom, Get out of the pit, Happiness, Happy Life, Hope, Joy, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Peace, Pressure at Work, Rest, Secrets to a Happy Life, Victorious Life
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth . . . .” Ephesians 6:14a
The economic meltdown that began almost a year ago begs a central question: What is the truth about our situation? The new president and his advisers have worked for months to find the answer to that question. And they continue to think more money is the answer. How bad is the damage? What will it take to make things right? It seems new versions of “the truth” about our situation emerge daily.
Granted, the economics of an entire nation are murky at best. But what if you were tasked with the job of defining truth about every person, every situation, every fact, and every possibility? When we look at our world, it is obvious that there are many versions of “truth” at work—creating the resulting discord and chaos. Oprah promotes a new gospel using the same words like repentance and Christian as an example, but defines it radically different than Scripture. She is very dangerous. As Steve Camp sang in his song “Where have you gone to my America” he sang..”And the talk show host is the Holy Ghost.”
Jesus Christ, in a prayer to the Father, said what truth is in just a few words: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). God’s words, found in God’s Word (living and written), are the standard of truth concerning whatever they touch. The Bible may not address everything in all of history, but whatever it says about whatever it addresses is true.
To navigate the uncertain parts of life, you need an unchanging source of truth: God and His Word. When questions arise, make sure you answer them with the answers God has provided.
“Though all truth is not in the Bible, everything in the Bible is true.” Unknown
God’s peace!
Tags: Abide, Abiding, Be Happy, Conflict Resolution, Contentment, Discouragement, Faithfulness, Finding Truth, Happiness, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Joy, Life Crisis, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Peace, Pressure at Work, Resolving Conflict, Success, successful career, Truth, Victorious Life, What is Truth, Work Life Balance
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
“When he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Matthew 8:23-26
James MacDonald writes: Why didn’t somebody tell me earlier in my life that I can’t fix everything? I thought that with due diligence, everything can get resolved. If there were things up ahead that concerned me, I could just make a plan to solve them. In time, I could have it all figured out and then set the automatic “good life” pilot and let it take over.
It’s only more recently that I have grasped that life will never be “together” this side of eternity. It’s hard to accept sometimes that perfect is only for heaven.
There will always be people problems. There will always be financial challenges. There will always be a home burden, or a crisis of some kind. Every day I live in this world, there will always be some uncertainty ringing my doorbell.
So much for my assumption that if you just worked hard enough, eventually everything would be sorted out, categorized, and put neatly on the shelf. I have never gotten to that day and what’s more, I now know it’s never coming.
In Matthew 8:23-24, we land in Jesus’ life on a day that perfectly illustrates the imperfections of human existence. “When he got into the boat, His disciplines followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm.” In the original language, the two words great storm can be translated to mega and seismic. As in, And behold, there arose a mega seismic on the sea, so that the boat was consumed by the waves. It’s worth remembering that this description comes from Matthew, one of the disciples who wasn’t a fisherman. He had the terrified layman’s perspective on this storm!
I have a few questions about that whole scene:
1. Did Jesus not check the Weather Channel? He totally knew that storm was coming yet He led them right into it. Get in the boat, boys. He knowingly took them into harm’s way.
2. Could Jesus have stopped the storm before it started? Sure He could have but He let the storm come.
3. So is it true to say that He wanted the storm? I think we could surmise that He was actually looking forward to how He was going to use the storm in the disciples’ lives.
I believe it is important for all of us, including me to understand that sometimes Jesus disguises exciting opportunities for personal growth as difficult circumstances. We would choose to avoid trials at all costs, but Jesus sees the bigger picture. Sometimes we just need to trust God and get out of the boat…especially if we want to walk on the water and be happy in life and at work!
![28638: If You Want to Walk on Water, You"ve Got to Get Out of the Boat](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/2/28638.gif "28638: If You Want to Walk on Water, You"ve Got to Get Out of the Boat") |
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat
By John Ortberg / Zondervan
Far too many of us have put our faith in a casual Christianity that never compels us to leave our comfort zones. But, deep within our hearts we know that Christ has not called us to comfort, but to an exciting, sacrificial and overwhelmingly fulfilling faith. In If You’re Going to Walk on Water John Ortberg teaches us how to step out of the “boat” of casual Christianity so that we can faithfully follow the Lord who is calling us out onto the risky, exciting waters of the high seas. Let Pastor Ortberg teach you how to leave your comfort zone for a remarkable life of faith.
|
Tags: Abiding, Be Happy, Contentment, Discouragement, Faithfulness, Happiness, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Happy Marriage, Happy Relationship, Joy, Life Crisis, Life Problems, Life Trials, Living a Happy Life, Overcoming Discouragement, Peace, Personal Growth, Pressure at Work, Solving Life's Problems, Storms in Life, Thankfulness, Victorious Life, Wisdom
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Monday, June 8th, 2009
Help make your dad or husband happy at home, on the road, and at the office this Father’s Day with the latest and greatest wireless reading device.
3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging
Take your library with you; holds over 1,500 books
At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback
With the new text-to-speech feature, Kindle can read every newspaper, magazine, blog, and book out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable
BUY IT NOW!!!
Tags: Balanced Life, Be Happy, Contentment, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Happy Marriage, Happy Relationship, Joy, Pressure at Work, Success, successful career, Work Life Balance
Posted in Special Products | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1a
What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves” (Psalm 127:1-2).
God is telling us there is a way of living and working without striving. There is a way to go about our lives and to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on faithfulness and obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily personal and work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome.
One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.
We are called to live life and work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree.
Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving, in your personal or work life. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily life and work experiences. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest. when we do this, we will be happier and have immeasurably more peace and joy in our lives both at home and at work.
 |
The 9 to 5 Window: How Faith Can Transform the Workplace
By Os Hillman / Gospel Light
What happens when we take the Word of God literally and begin to apply it where most us spend 60 to 70 percent of our waking hours? What happens when we move in a spiritual dimension in our work lives as few have endeavored to do before now? Lives, workplaces, cities and nations become transformed by the power of Jesus Christ!
Called the “next great movement of God,” ministry in the workplace is like a sleeping giant that is starting to take the nation by storm. In The 9 to 5 Window, Os Hillman, one of the leading authorities on “faith at work” today, introduces you to the new breed of worker who has gone beyond the status quo to become a transformer. Learn the facts on the current movement, how to bring God’s presence into your life and your workplace, how to transform your life, your workplace, and city. This offer includes a terrific study guide suitable for either individual or small group use.
|
Tags: Abide, Abiding, Balanced Life, Be Happy, Contentment, Faithfulness, Freedom, Happiness, Happy Family, Happy Home, Happy Life, Joy, Living a Happy Life, Obedience, Peace, Pressure at Work, Rest, Success, successful career, Work Life Balance
Posted in Be Happy | No Comments »
Friday, April 24th, 2009
If you are unhappy much of the time, you might be battling some past and possibly deeply rooted feelings of bitterness and anger. To find the peace and happiness you desire, you must deal with that root of bitterness and anger. It is not easy to do, but I can tell you from personal experience it is freeing!
Proverbs 29:11 tells us that “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
Life and the workplace can be pressure-packed. The demands that are often put on us can bring out things that we never knew were there. Sometimes we begin to think that the source of that pressure is to blame for our response to the pressure. It could be an event, a spouse, a boss, a client, a child, or even a driver who cuts us off in traffic.
I recall responding to a close friend one time, “If you had not done that, I would never have responded that way.” Later I learned that this response had little truth to it. We all choose to get angry. No one else is to blame for our anger.
“The circumstances of life, the events of life, and the people around me in life, do not make me the way I am, but reveal the way I am” [Dr. Sam Peeples].
This simple quote has had a profound impact on how I view my anger now. Anger only reveals what is inside of me. I can’t blame anyone but me for my response to a situation. I have learned that anger is only the symptom of something else that is going on inside of me. This quote now resides on my refrigerator door as a daily reminder of the truth about my response to life’s situations.
It has been said that anger is like the warning panel on the dash of your car. It is the light that tells us something is going on under the hood and we need to find out what is the source of the problem. I discovered that the source of anger is often unmet expectations or personal rights. We believe we are entitled to a particular outcome to a situation. When this doesn’t happen, it triggers something in us. At the core of this is fear, often a fear of failure or rejection, fear of what others think, fear of the unknown.
If you struggle with anger, ask God to reveal the source of that anger. Ask Him to heal you of any fears that may be the root of your anger. Ask God to help you take responsibility for your response to difficult situations.
Two resources I highly recommend are displayed below. They helped me and I know they will help you deal with the anger issues you may be wrestling with and become happier in life and at work.
 |
The Anger Trap, Paperback
By Dr. Les Carter / John Wiley & Sons
The Anger Trap is a landmark book that strips away the myths and misconceptions about anger and reveals how you can learn to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy anger so that you may choose, or help someone else to choose, a better, more spiritually enlightened path. The Anger Trap examines the root causes of anger and can help you realize your patterns and break the destructive cycles of criticism, frustration, and irritation that hurt you and others around you.
|
 |
Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way
By Gary Chapman / Northfield
What is anger? Where does it come from? And how can we handle it in a healthy, godly way? There is much confusion on the issue – especially for Christians. You’ll find the answers to these questions and more in this handy guide. Includes quick takes on topics like responding to an angry person, “good” vs. “bad” anger, forgiving, and other important issues for you and your family. Includes discussion guide. Revised and updated edition of The Other Side of Love, by Dr. Gary Chapman.
|
Tags: Anger, Anger Management, Be Happy, Bitterness, Living a Happy Life, Overcome Anger, Pressure at Work, Victorious Life
Posted in Be Happy | 1 Comment »
