You need to find the trees to find the birds[1]  – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 228 View this in your browser I am in back in Canada after a rich time in Korea. Yesterday, Terri and I along with able volunteers spent time planting trees in an old coal mine to help restore it to flourishing. That got me thinking about the need for you to know your business environment. “(Jesus) told them this parable: “Look...

Listen to the donkey  – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 227 I am finishing my work in Korea and am reflecting on the impact of the environment on your business and the impact on your business on the environment. “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” Numbers 22:28 The story of Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35) is a remarkable one of God...

A smart old man  – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 226 I am sitting in a quiet space in Korea after a very busy week at Lausanne where I remain in awe of God’s community. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 Yesterday near the end of...

Hands  – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 225 Greetings from Korea, where I am in awe of God’s provision and plans. Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your hands?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” I had the great good fortune of lecturing yesterday at Soong Sil University, established in 1897, not long after the first...

There are times in business where we have to sit in the belly of the whale and stew a bit before accepting what God has in store for us. “But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port… then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. (and the sailors asked Jonah what to do and Jonah said) “Pick...

Modelling Christ – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 223 Since last week’s devotion, I have been dwelling on the distinction of muddling Jesus and modelling Jesus. “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10...

Muddle Christ – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 222  Tim, a colleague of mine, was praying for me after a rich conversation. He prayed that I ‘model Christ’. I heard, ‘muddle Christ’. I am pretty good at muddling Christ.  “…and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white...

Of all the types of capital needed to be a business person, Hope is the most valuable. Hope gives heart, the willingness to persevere. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see they do not remain as...

Closer than a sister (or brother)Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 220 Greetings from Canada after a rich time in Central Asia. “Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.” Proverbs 18:24 I have the joy of knowing those who work with me almost seamlessly. Some of them receive this devotional: They anticipate what is needed, They get their side of the job done, and They tell me when I am full...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 196 – Joy “ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 Yesterday, I had the privilege to speak at The King’s University BAM...