Proverbs 16:3

 

Please pray for a brother in Christ, Donnie Allen. He's in ICU at Cleveland Clinic. 

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"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

Be in prayer for:

G

K

S

W

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #prayer #Proverbs #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager, Part 2

(or)  Be Careful What You Wish For

Continued from yesterday (click here for Part 1)

     So, I had hired three people. I was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with training, project scheduling, quality control. It was clear that I was struggling.

     The boss's son stepped up. It seemed innocent enough, almost like he wanted to help by giving the new people work to do, taking them out to field measure, etc. Then, we got approved to move forward with the biggest, best project we've ever gotten and I'm the one who brought the project to the table. My boss was going to create the preliminary design on Saturday, and I was going to start on the project on Monday. (I had stopped working Saturdays during the Great Recession for obvious reasons.) When I got to work Monday morning, somehow the boss's son had the project. He had gone into the office on Saturday, and I imagine he said he wanted it and so he got it.

     That's when I realized that I was no longer in charge. Everything had changed. I fought tooth and nail every step of the way to the point where I felt like our three newbies were children of a messy divorce. We fought over them, over what they could do, who's project they would work on. I was miserable, stressed out, depressed. I was paying a therapist to help me deal with all of this until it dawned on me that I was fighting a losing battle. It was time to let go.

     I went on a job interview thinking it would be for an Autocad drafter. I was willing to take a cut in pay to have the privilege (and peace) of being able to just draw. I was done with being in charge. When the potential employer started talking about what all of my responsibilities would be, it made me feel on edge, reiterating that, at this point in my life, I just want to draw.

     As I drove back to work, I realized that I had that opportunity at my present job, if I would just quit fighting you-know-who. And, it wouldn't require a cut in pay. The other company wasn't ready for me to start there and after a lot of praying and reflection, I began to let it all go. It wasn't long before I realized that I was happier, less stressed.

     In January 2020, I went to a Missions College conference and my whole life was changed. Someday, I'll get the book published that is the result of that conference, of what God let me know is my mission. It's my belief that He will bless my writing, allow me to get published in a capacity that will allow me to write full-time for Him. 

     This week, He reminded me of all of that. I have a greater purpose in this life than to draw pizza joints. I believe my purpose is to help draw people closer to God, through writing and prayer, and maybe even, eventually, speaking engagements. With that reminder, I was able to completely let go of my need to be in charge at my day job. If the book(s) take off and if God makes it so that I can write full-time to bring Him honor and glory, then I believe that's the better definition of "success" than my 1990s definition.

     I've prayed for so long for a way to break free from that overwhelming life and at every obvious opportunity it never happened. I think since it's been so many years, I just forgot I prayed for it. God didn't forget, though. His perfect timing is always so amazing to me.

     So many tiny events had to take place to get me to this point. Everything had to happen in a certain order, at a certain time. I feel blessed that I can see it all unwinding and am praying that what I believe the intended outcome will actually happen.

     God has opened so many doors this week that I've just been blown away time and time again at His involvement in my life. I am grateful. I am blessed. So, I guess it's no so much "be careful what you wish for" as, "remember what you prayed for."

     Whatever your work problem is, ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will provide.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

Be in prayer for:

G

K

S

W

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

*********

Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager

 

I wanted to share a personal experience that goes with yesterday's Bible Verse...I've just had this AHA moment thing going on all week. God is just so amazing! I pick the topics based on talking to others, or something that catches my attention in a Bible study, or sermon, or even based on what's going on in my own life, but once in a while, I'm reminded that it's God who is picking the topics for me.

     Over the past several years, my boss's son has been taking over my job. He has assumed responsibility for everything and we've been butting heads at each turn. At some point, maybe a year ago, I just gave up the fight. Ever since then, I've felt more at peace and have had a better attitude at work. 

     A couple of days ago, I gave up the last managerial duty that I had been clinging to. It was so hard to do and I prayed about it diligently. Afterwards, I felt more at peace and it was then that God reminded me...this is what I asked for years ago. He then showed me a plan unfolding, one I've been praying for without realizing it, one that I had been working toward but not really believing in.

     Back in the 90s, my goal in life was to be "successful". In my mind, that meant being in charge of a company, having an office, making good money. I achieved that but with it came a burden that I never anticipated. The stress and anxiety of being "in charge" was overwhelming. On the plus side, the company was more organized, made money, grew and prospered. On the negative side, I had to deal with difficult, irate clients, situations that my boss didn't want to deal with, collections, etc. I even had to learn all the ins and outs of computer repair, software glitches, and wireless networking. 

     I worked long hours, six days a week. As a manager of a small company, I wore all the hats. I couldn't imagine a scenario that would get me out of that situation because I had made myself irreplaceable.

     When the Great Recession hit (2007-2009), I thought this is how it will end. But my boss worked like I've never seen him work before, or since, to drum up business for us to keep us afloat. That's when I started praying about a way out. 

     Then, the boss's son graduated from college (for architecture) and I figured he would start honing in on my job so I went back to college and got my Bachelor's degree. He didn't seem interested in taking over, which made me feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, I wanted out, on the other, I knew he couldn't/wouldn't put his blood, sweat, and tears into the company like I had. 

     Another woman at our company also graduated from a college in architecture, around that time, so it was kind of the hierarchy of: my boss, me, and then the boss's son and she were on the same level, even though she was and is very talented and knowledgable and does an exceptionable job. Then, she went to work for another company and I had to hire three people to replace her. That opened Pandora's box. We were so busy, and I was trying to get work out and train three people and still do everything that I had to do outside of those responsibilities. So, that was his chance to "step up."

To be continued. 

A just balance and scales are the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:11

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Verbal abuse at work

 

Not all supervisors are in their position because of their people skills. Numerous people have talked to me about situations at work where they don't feel like they can ask questions because their supervisor makes them feel stupid, or shames them for not already knowing the answer. They feel belittled and humiliated. 

     The result from this is that they don't ask questions, therefore they have trouble doing their job, which creates more stress. In my book, this is abuse. 

     I've had to deal with this myself in the past and just dealt with it like I dealt with the verbal and emotional abuse from my first husband. I would preface questions with, "I'm sorry, but..." or I would put myself down before the other person could do it, "I don't know why I still can't do this but..." That kind of negative self-talk did almost as much damage as the abusive language from others which I was trying to avoid. 

     Then, someone told me they would pray that the heart of the abuser, aka the supervisor, would be softened. I never thought to do that before. It made a huge difference. I started including that in my daily prayers and it just helped. At first, I felt like I needed strength to pray this, that I needed help in humbling myself to pray for people who I felt were causing me harm, but I'm so glad that I did. 

     I'm praying this prayer for you and your specific situations and encourage you to pray for your supervisors, managers, bosses, coworkers. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, 

under the mighty hand of God 

so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Let God handle the battles. We need to fight the battle on our knees. (See video below). Give it all up to Him.

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "The Power of Words" from February 25, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #verbalabuse #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Don't be deceived

 

Do you ever find yourself mimicking the jargon or gestures of those you spend the most time with? I'm really susceptible to that. A woman I work with tells stories and partway through, she'll say, "blah, blah, blah" and then wrap it up. I found myself doing the same thing. When I realized it, I had to make a conscious effort to stop, not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it's so obvious.

     You can see this with phrases that crop up...the whole "literally" craze drove me insane. It was especially irritating because my boss overused the word and used it incorrectly. He would say "literally" when he really meant "figuratively". He would say "almost literally" - that's just impossible and wrong on so many levels. Anyway, it "literally" drove me crazy, and I told him so on several occasions.

     Then there are the "reach out" and "in this season" trends (among others) which aren't nearly as irritating (to me) because they actually make sense. My point is, we pick up on language and gestures without realizing it and so how easy is it to pick up on bad habits, to slip back into pre-salvation ways of living when we're constantly around people who do those things? It's the perfect situation for Satan to fill us with conflict, discouragement, doubt; to draw us into him and away from Christ. Not that we can lose our salvation, or that he can take us out of the hand of Christ, but he can dim our light so that we don't shine as brightly as Christians (in my opinion).

     It all seems to come back to the Full Armor of God. I didn't know that's where today's post was going to conclude, but here we are again. When we know we're going into that battle every day, we need to make a conscious effort to don that armour.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Just Say No" from this past January

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #influence #prayer #peace

Unequally yoked with coworkers

 

In what ways are you being unequally yoked with unbelievers at work? Are they leading you into temptation such as cursing, gossiping, or something else? 

     Are you being persecuted for your faith? Verbal abuse, taunting, teasing are all forms of persecution. They can weigh on you, weaken you, bring you down. Satan is working through them to discourage you. Put on your Full Armor of God and fight.

     Pray for the salvation of those coworkers who are either trying to draw you into their sin or who are persecuting you. Pray that their hearts are softened and for God to open their eyes to their sin and to the Gospel. Pray for the worst offender by name. If their hearts and minds are changed, the rest will follow.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. 

For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? 

Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Be Strong" from October 18, 2019, where I talk about a work experience I was going through.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #persecution #prayer #peace

Workplace environment

 

So many people have been sharing stories of their work environments lately. Some are struggling with the fact they are unequally yoked with their co-workers and supervisors. Others are being treated badly by their managers, having to endure what amounts to verbal and emotional abuse. Still others have to deal with people who are just plain cruel.
     My heart goes out to all of them. As Americans we spend approximately 30% of our lives working; so to be miserable for that amount of time is absolutely heartbreaking.
     The only advice I can give, and what has worked for me, is to diligently pray. Not only for the situation but also for the people involved. We'll dig a little deeper throughout the week.

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Please be in prayer for:
B
L
J
K
T
S
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Ask and receive"

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #prayer #peace

Willingness to work

 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Soul of the diligent

 

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; 

but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

Proverbs 13:4

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Ask and receive

 

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, 

because we keep His commandments and 

do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

1 John 3:22

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Work heartily

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Share your blessings

 

I was going to share a different verse today but accidentally came to this one and thought it was very appropriate for our prayers this week. 

     Those of us who are blessed need to share our blessings with the less fortunate as we are led by God to do so.

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,

    for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing #charity

Motivation during job search

 

By the time I went back to work in May, my unemployment finally went through and I was able to replace the savings and pay off the credit card I used during the shut-down.
     I didn't spend any money during that time except as needed for groceries, and even while shopping for food, I was more frugal than before.
     Fortunately, my husband was still working so we were blessed to have an income, but that didn't diminish the anxiety of me being out of work. When you depend on two incomes, it's a struggle when you lose even one of them.
     From talking to different people, I know we get these perceptions of those who have been out of work for a long period of time. (I'm only talking about able-bodied people who normally would have a job - not those on disability, or with other extenuating circumstances). Maybe their industry isn't up to full capacity and so jobs are scarce right now. Maybe they're just worn out from rejection. We don't know their individual circumstances, and we don't need to know. 
     It would be Christlike of us to pray for them and to ask how we can help. Pray that they feel the desire and motivation to keep searching for a job and that the opportunity that God provides for them will be accepted.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression

Pray for the unemployed

A year ago I was unemployed because of the pandemic. It was the first time I had been out of a job since the 1980s recession. Even though I knew it was temporary, it affected me deeply. I didn't realize how important it was, beyond finances, for me to work.
     At first, it was like my identity was taken away from me. I felt lost and without purpose. The depression was overwhelming and it was difficult for me to do anything.
     For the first month, dealing with the Unemployment office became my full-time job, but that wore on me, too because of the perceived futility in all of it.
     The second month I finally got around to turning to God. He lifted me up and helped me to relax and make the most of this time. I got to where I enjoyed being home. When everything reopened, I found myself deeply depressed again having to give up the freedom and peace I discovered while being off. But we work in order to pay the bills, so I had to adjust my feelings and attitudes once again.
     The whole experience was so draining. It really gave me a renewed appreciation for the unemployed and what they go through in order to navigate the system. They have to deal with the unemployment office, look for a job, fend off debt collectors and cope with the strain of not having an income. It's a lot.
     So this week, I'd like for us to pray for them. My main prayer is that they turn to God like I finally did, and allow Him to guide them through this situation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression

Christ strengthens me

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, 

to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. 

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, 

both to abound and to suffer need. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11–13

Work to live

I always get this saying mixed up..."work to live instead of live to work" is the correct saying.
     We are supposed to work if we're able. Exodus 20:9 says: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work," (I won't get into the Sabbath discussion). So, God intends for us to work in order to live but we weren't put here only to work. I also look at it as there are some people who do their job only because it pays the bills. They don't like their jobs but in some instances, it allows them enough money to do the things they do love to do.
     However, if there's a way for you to enjoy your job and earn enough money to pay your bills, that would be ideal. Think how much happier we would all be. You just need to ask God where He wants you to be. Pray about it. I can't stress this enough.
     I'm one of those people who believe when one door closes, another opens; that God will guide me to do His will. I believe in what Matthew 7:7-8 tells me: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." 
     Go ahead. Ask. See what happens. I bet it is amazing!

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Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Work to glorify God

     Yesterday we touched on the idea that no matter what you do, do it for Christ. So, when you're toiling away at your job, just remember you are serving Him, and He will use you to honor Him and to fulfill His plan for you.
     I found a great article online while I was researching this week's topic and wanted to share it with you:
 "Work for God, from your joy in him, for treasure far greater than money, recognition, or comfort. Bring those dreams to your day job, instead of looking for happiness in your dream job." 
Written by Marshall Segal, Staff writer, "The Secret to Job Satisfaction" March 15, 2017, found at desiringGod.org

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (emphasis mine)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Colossians 3:23

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Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

How to have job satisfaction

IMAGE: VICKY LETA / MASHABLE
found at https://tinyurl.com/y4hb7qqm

     I believe at the root of all discontent is attitude. Let's say you had an absolutely nasty job that you hated with every fiber of your being. We'll use as a random example: "septic tank technician." I know very little about this job except what I learned from watching an episode of Dirty Jobs, and I realize that the people who do it must not mind it, and maybe even get used to the smell after a while, but to me, it seems like a nasty job. (Kudos to those who do this job, though.) They make on average $16.20/hour (not nearly enough, in my opinion).
     You wake up one morning and think, "I just can't do this another day." So, how can you motivate yourself to go to work and not hate every single minute?
1. Pray. Ask God for strength. Ask Him to show you His will for you.
2. Make a plan and complete one step each day. You may spend a month or more researching other jobs, or figuring out what this job can prepare you for. Talk to your boss and see if there is a job advancement track for your job. Setting and attaining goals gives hope. You may find that you'll need to go back to school to learn new skills. Most schools have a career center which offers resources and job placement.
3. Ask yourself the hard questions:
What are my interests? What am I most passionate about?
Why did I take this job in the first place?
Why do I hate it now? Is the root of my discontent really the actual job or is it that I dislike a co-worker? What can I do to smooth things over with that person? Do I really dislike him or am I jealous of him for some reason? If you're the only person who doesn't get along with him, maybe the problem is you and not him.
Is it pride? Am I embarrassed about what I do?
Do I feel unappreciated? Am I in a rut?
Use those answers to assess your next move.
Finish the sentences begun in the above photo:
I am ...
I want ...
I love ...
I have ...

In the short-term, things you can do this morning:
- pray, ask for help.
- look your best, whatever that means to you. I can tell when I'm depressed about my job because I'll just throw on whatever's on the top of the laundry pile; I'll skip the make-up and jewelry, and I'll wear a sweatshirt sweater instead of a nice sweater.
- remember always that you are representing Christ. What you do during your day job is serving Christ (I'll add scripture for this tomorrow). Be an image-bearer and servant of Jesus.
- smile and greet strangers. Ask them how their day is. If you know their name, use it. Say "Have a blessed day, Betty," or at least, "Have a good day."
- take pride in what you do; whatever it is that you do.
- go the extra mile without expecting anything in return.
- throughout the day: pray.

Try those things for today and tomorrow we'll talk some more.

For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart 

with which he has toiled under the sun? 

For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; 

even in the night his heart takes no rest. 

This also is vanity.

Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, 

and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. 

This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Are you satisfied with your job?

How happy are you with your job?

We spend the prime portion of our lives, the better part of our days working at a job. Ideally, our jobs entail tasks that we like to do, that allow us a sense of accomplishment and worth. Ideally, we're working in a pleasant environment with people we like. Ideally, we feel joy (for the most part) in our chosen profession. I'm sure there are people who have that ideal and enjoy an optimal work-life balance and get paid their worth and are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

For others, it's the total opposite. We work to pay the bills. We hit the snooze three times every weekday morning before dragging ourselves out of bed, dreading the day before it even gets started. Our morning routines are so bare-boned and timed so meticulously that we make it to work exactly on time, never a minute early so as to avoid spending the least amount of time there as possible. Once at work, we go through the motions which have become so monotonous that our bodies can practically perform the tasks on auto-pilot. This at least allows our minds to drift off to more pleasant thoughts, (or dwell on the dismal fate of our daily toil.) We talk to co-workers, feigning interest in their small-talk, all the time watching the clock until it's time to go home. Once at home, we're so emotionally drained that we can't accomplish anything other than the bare minimum of what needs to be done to get us through until the next day when it all starts over again.

That is no way to live.

Tomorrow we'll talk about ways to move toward a job filled with promise and reward.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Work out your salvation

Daily Bible Verse

Philippians 2:12