Perth Morning

This morning we have a wonderful insight from our Aussie counterpart, James Benjamin….

Good Morning Beautiful Business Edge Brothers and Sisters!

I Hope and pray you are well rested and now ready and prepared for victory: a brand new week to allow Him to shine through you in everything you put your hand too! That you blend into your busy schedule quality and quantity time with Him, loving and serving your wives or husbands with heart, parenting your children well and managing your businesses in The Spirit of Good Business!

Meena (my Miss Perth, my wife and my best friend), yesterday (Sunday) morning sent me to get some fresh scones from our local bakery. As I walked out the front door I was greeted by a beautiful pristine and still Perth winter morning with not a cloud in the sky and filled with the welcoming sound of birds singing loudly and happily and the very faint drone of a Cessna around 10,000′ above that was about to unload a party of skydivers.

I turned on foot into the main street and as the early morning sun warmed my face I was immediately reminded how beautiful, big and everlasting God’s love was for me and every man, woman and child that walks His planet. I was also greatly reminded how important it is to ‘Be still and know that I am God‘.

Thought for the week…

Peace

We live in an extraordinarily busy and complex world in and outside of business. We have so many layers of importance to attend on a regular basis. We bounce out of bed at 6am and lay our heads on the pillow at 11pm without stopping for one moment. Many of us skip breakfast and lunch just to gain extra minutes on the plough. In fact my experience is that the ‘more I do’, the more there is ‘to do’ and I can feel demoralised and deflated. As we serve Him through our endeavours we get so consumed by our ‘Things To Do List’ we can feel separated from the big picture…walking minute by minute, day by day with Him!

Let me remind you that all things are possible though Him. Paul wrote “...I have learnt to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Philippians 4:11-13. GNT.

As business people I believe this scripture is saying that there are always a ‘hundred things that still haven’t been done’ as we run our business and in that realisation we have to firmly disciple ourselves to often “let go and let God”. The Jews prioritised the Sabbath so that they could maintain focus on their creator and be re-created through recreation (rest). Jesus longed to get away to the mountain to enjoy intimacy with His Father where He could ‘recharge His batteries’. It is like seasoning a good meal with a little salt and pepper. It keeps the meal in balance and interesting. You may have heard the secular saying “…to much work and John is a dull boy.”.

We know the enemy’s great weapon is to get us so busy that we have no time for God. We have to guard our hearts with vigilance so that we do not get too busy for Him. My experience is that the more time I spend with Him my mind becomes less cluttered and the components of business become much easier and enjoyable. I become a much happier fellow which makes me more attractive to prospective customers. Customers prefer to do business with someone who exudes confidence and success. Rather than me trying hard to close the deal the deals start closing effortlessly by themselves!

I believe that He intends us to live our calling with full joy and happiness. My encouragement to you this week is to “give it all you’ve got” and let Jesus do the rest. He is the ultimate safety net, the ultimate 100% guarantee! He will never forsake you or let you down. In addition prioritise your Sabbath every seven days and just “down tools and the phone” and stop and spend quality and quantity time with Him and the people most dear to you. “…Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6,7. GNT.

Warm regards,

James.


Executive Director & Business Pastor

Business Edge Western Australia