james_benjamin

From the age of nine through to my late 20’s I raced sailing dinghies just about every Saturday afternoon on the Swan River in Perth. Everyone knew that if you got a great start you had a much better chance of finishing with a place. I believe there are parallels in how we start each year in business. As some of you may recall I wrote the following for the start of 2015. I believe it is just as relevant for 2016.

REST: Christmas and New Year are an important time to ‘down tools’ and just stop. “Come to me and all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

REASON: Christmas is a time to celebrate and meditate the birth of Jesus. “This very day in David’s town your savior was born – Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

REFLECT: With the celebration, fun and ‘time out’ at Christmas we have the united opportunity to look into the face of our maker and enjoy His matchless love for us. “All of us then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

REJUVINATE: Subsequent holidays and The New Year help us to reconcile and recalibrate with God sothat we can see and feel the ‘big picture’ that He has always had for us in our spirit, personal and business lives. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me.” Psalm 51:10

REVIEW: As we consider the journey for 2016 let’s hold our Strategic Objective (Business Plan) up to Him in prayer and ask Him to bless and anoint (make adjustments if required) accordingly. “Ask the Lord to bless your plans and you will be successful in carrying them out.” Proverbs 16:3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.” Proverbs 3:5,6

REFOCUS: As we prepare to navigate 2016 let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and His calling for us in business as outlined in our Strategic Objective (Business Plan) and not be tempted by the continual flood of curious and irrelevant distractions that surround us. “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the same path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” Proverbs 4:26,27

RESUME: As business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs in 2016 let’s keep focused and journey ‘arm in arm’ with the Holy Spirit in everything we do ensuring we read His word and pray daily particularly at the beginning of our dayswhen we are rested and ready. “Establish my steps and direct them by Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133. “The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23

Blessings and Kind Regards

James Benjamin (Executive Director)

Business Edge Perth & WA Inc.