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Power Pray: Grab Your Sword!

Power Pray: Grab Your Sword!

“Jeremiah” Children, grab your sword! It’s time to learn about the power of prayer!

Power Pray: Grab Your Sword!

Dear “Jeremiah” Children,

God has a plan for you. It includes a hope-filled future! He hears you! He restores you!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 ESV

Let’s talk about prayer!

Power Pray: Grab Your Sword!

Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we spent as much time dwelling on powerful and positive thoughts as we do on weak and negative thoughts?

I’ve been reading a book called Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney. It’s simple. He says that we should pray using the very words we read in God‘s Word, the Bible!

Grab Your Sword!

I’m reminded of the words in Hebrews 4:12. 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Imagine the power of praying the words of the most powerful Being we know and love. Imagine the power of praying with a sword in our hands!

Power Pray!

What does that look like?

Let’s pray together.

Read Psalm 1:1-2.

“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
and on His Law he meditates day and night”

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV

Pray: 

Dear God, 

I want to be blessed by You. Please bless me and those I love! 
I want to delight in Your law and Your instruction. 
I want to meditate on Your Word day and night. 
Help me to more fully understand what that even means; and then help me to consistently read and give serious and careful thought to Your Words and apply them to my life!
Amen 

It’s Your Turn!

Raise that sword!
Pray that powerful Word!
Try it and see what happens – not just in your prayer life, but in your whole life!

Let me know how it goes!

Blessings,

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Purpose to Follow God’s Standards in Business

Purpose to Follow God’s Standards in Business

Purpose to Follow God’s Standards in Business

Grow in intimacy with God, and partner in His Grace in your business; purpose to follow God’s standards in business toward your best impact in His Kingdom!

Throughout the process of choosing our path and ordering our steps with the Lord’s guidance, we must keep in mind the purpose of our work and service: the purpose to follow God’s standards toward our best impact in His Kingdom!

Purpose to follow God's standard in business

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Now What?

Grow in intimacy with God, and partner in His Grace in your business; purpose to follow God’s standards for the best impact in His Kingdom!

Our Charge as Christian Entrepreneurs:

  1. WHAT are we to do? 
    1. Confirm Our God-Given Calling
    2. Purpose to Follow God’s Standards 
  2. WHY? To impact His Kingdom!
  3. HOW? 
    1. Grow in Intimacy with God; 
    2. Partner in His Grace in our business/ministry.
  1. WHAT are we to do? 
    1. Confirm Our God-Given Calling
    2. Purpose to Follow God’s Standards 
  2. WHY? To impact His Kingdom!
  3. HOW? 
    1. Grow in Intimacy with God; 
    2. Partner in His Grace in our business/ministry.

Confirm Your God-Given Calling

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Confirm Your Calling and Election
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-11, ESV

2 peter 1:10

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
2 Peter 1:10

I can’t tell you how many times a group member or coaching client has started, stopped and restarted a brand or a project. Most of the time we discover together that they were working toward a goal God never called them to in the first place.

I ask the Lord often for clarity and confidence regarding what He wants me to do. I shudder to think I might be on a path He did not design for me. 

Once we stop, back up a bit, and implore the Lord about His calling on their lives and work, most clients soar forward with passion and newfound joy!

Do you need to ask the Lord for clarity of conviction where His calling on your life and work is concerned? 

He will answer!

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15.

Purpose to Follow God’s Standards

In her last chapter, NOW WHAT? from Grace Over Grind, Shae states

“…you can embrace the invitation laid before you to embrace a new standard, one that seeks God’s best, testifies of His amazing grace, and ultimately has greater Kingdom impact.”

Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t 

What is God’s Standard? What is His best?

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Psalm 119
Holiness (2 Peter 1:15-16)
His ways are right and pure. They enlighten us and cause us to rejoice! (Psalm 19:8)

It’s a lofty journey, but one worth taking!

How will you realign your life and work according to God’s standards and precepts?

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.2 Peter 1:10 Click To Tweet

Impact His Kingdom!

Heaven forbid that our life and work tasks might be a waste of time and for nothing good. Even worse would be that our life and work tasks might cause someone to stumble or cause them harm!

I want to make a difference, even in small ways, and to hear God say “‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.’ (Matthew 25:21, 23)

He promises us:

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:19

Grow in intimacy with God.

Again, Shae states,

…go even deeper and allow God to mature and grow you in grace. 2 Peter 1:2-3 says “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” Growing in knowledge comes from applying what you have heard and what you have seen from Holy Spirit, yielding undeniable testimonies and spiritual wisdom. As you grow in truly knowing Him, His grace will be multiplied to you. 

Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t

I want to be growing always!

Think of the most intense time of growth with the Lord in your life.

What were the specific catalysts encouraging that growth?

What do you need today to begin a deeper time of growing in the Lord?

Grow in intimacy with God, and partner in His Grace in your business; purpose to follow God’s standards for the best impact in His Kingdom!Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg Click To Tweet

Partner in His grace in your business.

He tells us:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

He calls us His fellow workers. 1 Corinthians 3:9
We are partners of the Gospel. (Philippians 1:5)
We work together with Him. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
We are also called to greater responsibility and held accountable. Blessedly He gives the growth! (1 Corinthians 3:7)

Comment below and tell us how we can pray with and encourage you along the path God has laid before you!

emphasis

Your Turn

Challenges:

  1. In what areas of your business/ministry will you strive to grow in intimacy with God and partner in His Grace?
    1. _______________________________________
    2. _______________________________________
    3. _______________________________________
  2. What will those who notice this change actually see?
    1. _______________________________________
    2. _______________________________________
    3. _______________________________________
  3. Journal for 5 minutes asking the Lord very specific questions about your business/ministry and recording His answers!
    _________________________________________________
    _________________________________________________

Actions:

Watch the Webinar

Rigid Flexibility in Time Management Diane Kephart

Read The Partner Post

Each week, Karen Lindwall-Bourg and Valerie Riese each write a post for the Community and Education Webinar. Read the Partner Post here:

What Does the Bible Say about Time management by Valerie Riese

Join Us For Encouragement and Prayer!

  • POST an encouragement on Facebook in the ACHIEVE Coaching group: Karen Bourg Companies
  • Join our Thursday Prayer Calls by phone via free conference calling. All Thursday 8am CST Prayer Calls can be accessed by dialing 1-712-775-8968 / conference code 620259

Blessings,

Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Karen 2018

Numbers 6, ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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God’s Grace and Power are Sufficient For Your Life and Work (Working God’s Way)

God’s Grace and Power are Sufficient For Your Life and Work (Working God’s Way)

God’s Grace and Power Are Sufficient for Your Life and Work (Working God’s Way)

God’s Grace and Power are Sufficient for your Life and Work because He is Sovereign over all things!

God's Grace and Power are sufficient for your life and work

God’s Grace is Sufficient.
He is Sovereign!

God’s Grace is the foundation upon which the Gospel message is built. His grace is our source. Because He is sovereign, we can trust Him to offer grace where it is needed! 

God is Sovereign over the universe, our salvation, our suffering—over everything!

Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. … And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:12-13

Examples of God’s Sufficient Grace in Scripture

Consider David

Even when he lied, lusted, lay with Bathsheba, stole, and killed—God saw his heart and loved him. David turned from his sin and repented. 

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin! Psalm 51:1-2 

(These are the first two verses! I love that!) 

And God forgave David and offered him grace. 

God does this for us as well!

Consider Rahab

She was referred to by God as a “harlot” three times in His Word! She heard of the God of Israel, sheltered the Israelite spies in her home, saved their lives, and bravely bargained for her life and that of her family.

“I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” 
Joshua 2:9-11 

Rahab lived with the Israelites and faithfully served God from that day on! God willingly offered His Grace. 

He does this for us as well! 

When we are focused on what God has assigned to us and our efforts are aligned with His Precepts, His Grace is sufficient. His Power enables us to do what He has called us to do, and to do it well. – Karen Lindwall-Bourg Click To Tweet

God’s Grace is Sufficient,
He offers You Grace!

In my own life, as a young widow, I went out on dates with four different widowers, and I have to admit I did not always honor God in my dating decisions. Looking back, I am sure one of them was not a follower of Christ. Typical of a sinful nature, he’s the one I was most enamored with! 

Out of the mouths of babes – My 7-year-old son, Matthew, is the one who told me I shouldn’t look at anyone else but Fred! He actually said, “You’re going to marry Fred Bourg!” 

As I write this, I am struck with a new revelation that God offered Fred to our family as an act of His Grace! 

My Goodness! Lord, I thank You and pray that I will look upon my dear husband this way from now on! Thank You for this enlightenment! Amen.

In what ways has God offered you His Grace? Take time to thank Him now!

In her chapter on The Sufficiency of Grace from Grace Over Grind, Shae Bynes states:

Working by God’s grace does not mean that you will escape challenges. You will undoubtedly experience trials and undesirable circumstances in your business, but this is where grace meets you. Grace is the empowerment that enables you to successfully do what God has called you to do.

Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t

…to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9, 10

2 corinthians 12:9

God’s Power is Sufficient.
He is Omnipotent!

David Prays in the Assembly:

Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13

May we never forget that God’s power is sufficient for any and all things we are going through!

Examples of God’s Sufficient Power in Scripture

God’s Word alone has the power to strengthen us.

Consider Paul

In spite of starting as one of the most zealous enemies of Christianity, bearing this thorn in the flesh (don’t you wish we knew exactly what it was!?); he was transformed! He was given amazing revelations of God’s glory and power, kept from pride, made humble, and became the Gospel’s most ardent messenger as he traveled far and wide taking the message of salvation to the Gentiles!

God transforms us as well!

Consider Gideon

The story of Gideon is told in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 and 7. Gideon was considered the “weakest in his father’s house” and his clan was called the “weakest in Manasseh!” God wouldn’t let him use 30,000 or 3,000 men to conquer their oppressor Midian. He gave him only 300 men to fight. They were victorious! God made the odds so unfathomably small that only God could bring victory!

He brings victory for us as well!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Corinthians 12:9 Click To Tweet

God’s Power is Sufficient.
He Empowers You!

In my young life, my husband Tim endured 3 different forms of cancer over a period of four years. Our family and friends suffered alongside him. People would come to visit us in his last 111 days in hospital and leave exclaiming, “I came to encourage him, and I am leaving encouraged!” God gave him strength and power when he must have been feeling low (an understatement, I’m sure) in body, soul, and spirit to minister to others. God gave me strength and power after Tim died to live for Him and to care for our three children, then ages 7, 6, and 4!

My Goodness! Lord, I thank You and pray that I will look upon those traumatic times as an era of Your Offering of Power to us from this day forward! Thank you for this enlightenment! Amen.

In what ways has God offered you His Power? Take time to thank Him now!

Again, Shae states

Not only does this grace offer you a lifestyle of unforced rhythm, rest, and divine favor, but according to God, His grace offers the solution to difficulties you will face on your entrepreneurial journey. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, the Apostle Paul shared that when he pleaded with God and asked Him three times to take away the thorn in his flesh, God’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul goes on in verse 10 to describe some of the weaknesses he encountered; insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. God says that His transforming power is made complete in all of our weakness and that is extraordinary news.

Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t

Your Turn

Challenges:

  1. What challenges in your life and business/ministry require God’s Grace?
    1. _________________________________________
    2. _________________________________________
    3. _________________________________________
  2. What challenges in your business/ministry require God’s Power?
    1. _________________________________________
    2. _________________________________________
    3. _________________________________________
  3. Journal for 5 minutes asking the Lord very specific questions about His Grace and Power in your business/ministry and recording His Answers! _______________________________________________________________________________
    _______________________________________________________________________________

Actions:

Watch the Webinar

Your Organized and Optimized Organization with Heather Rosson

Read The Partner Post

Each week, Karen Lindwall-Bourg and Valerie Riese each write a post for the Community and Education Webinar. Read the Partner Post here:

Getting Organized in Ministry by Valerie Riese

God is a God of Order by Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Join Us For Encouragement and Prayer!

  • POST an encouragement on Facebook in the ACHIEVE Coaching group: Karen Bourg Companies
  • Join our Thursday Prayer Calls by phone via free conference calling. All Thursday 8am CST Prayer Calls can be accessed by dialing 1-712-775-8968 / conference code 620259

Blessings,

Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Karen 2018

Numbers 6, ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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God’s Empowering Grace Is Your Firm Foundation

God’s Empowering Grace Is Your Firm Foundation

Your firm foundation must be firmly built in your BELIEFS- Body, Emotions, Livelihood, Intellect, Environment, Family/Friends, & Spiritual.

God’s Empowering Grace is Your Firm Foundation

God's empowering grace is your firm foundation

In the first chapter, “God’s Empowering Grace” from her book “Grace Over Grind”, Shae begins,

You don’t have to strive endlessly to make things happen with the dream God placed on your heart for your business. You simply need God’s empowering presence, and everything else is going to flow from there.
Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t,

To build with God’s empowering grace as your firm foundation, begin with His words!

He is Your Firm Foundation!

To build with God’s empowering grace as your firm foundation, begin with His words! He is your firm foundation. Click To Tweet

Build Your House on the Rock

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
(Matthew 7:24-27 ESV)

From The Passion Translation

24 “Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. 25 When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation.

26 “But everyone who hears my teaching and does not apply it to his life can be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 When it rained and rained and the flood came, with wind and waves beating upon his house, it collapsed and was swept away,” or “and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7:24-27 TPT).

  • Choose key words from Matthew 7:24-27.
  • Explore different Versions.
  • How will you apply these precepts to your life and business this week?
matthew 7:24

Again, Shea said,

You don’t have to strive endlessly to make things happen with the dream God placed on your heart for your business. You simply need God’s empowering presence, and everything else is going to flow from there.

Grace is that empowerment. It enables you to successfully do what God has called you to do and to do what you could never do on your own. It’s by God’s grace that you are able to do extraordinary things, have supernatural results, and eternal impact through your business.
Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t

We want to hear His Words and do what He says! We want the foundations of our life and work to be built upon the rock – an unshakable foundation!

Let’s rely on God’s empowering presence, on His Grace to do what He has called us to do in extraordinary ways with eternal impact in our lives and work. Build with God’s Empowering Grace as Your Firm Foundation. Begin with more of Him.

Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation (Matthew 7:24). Click To Tweet

Your Turn

Challenges:

1. What does building your business on the rock of God’s grace mean to you?

2. Consider Karen’s quote below. How would you like to firm up your foundation in the following dimensions of wellness/areas of your life/business/ministry?

Your foundation must be firmly built – in all dimensions of wellness – Body, Emotions, Livelihood, Intellect, Environment, Family/Friends, & Spiritual.
– Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg

B.E.L.I.E.F.S.

  1. Body
  2. Emotions
  3. Livelihood
  4. Intellect
  5. Environment
  6. Family/Friends
  7. Spiritual

3. Journal for 5 minutes asking the Lord very specific questions about your business and record His answers!

Actions:

Read The Partner Post

Each week, Karen Lindwall-Bourg and Valerie Riese each write a post for the Community and Education Webinar. Read the Partner Post here:

Maintain Your BELIEFS: How to Repair the Stained, Scratched, and Dented Areas of Your Business by Valerie Riese

Blessings,

Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Karen 2018

Numbers 6, ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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The Rhythm and Rest of God in Your Life and Work

The Rhythm and Rest of God in Your Life and Work

The Rhythm and Rest of Your Life and Work

We want the rhythms and rest of our business endeavors to be assigned and aligned by God’s purpose and plan for our lives. Then the rhythms of our work will flow by His grace and bring Him glory and honor!  – Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg, http://karenbourg.com

Rhythm and Rest of Your Life and Work

Without the Rhythm and Rest of God in Your Life and Work, You Flounder and Falter

No Rhythm

Without God, I have no rhythm!

Remember the Disney movie, The Emperor’s New Groove? I’m always shocked by the scene where the young emperor is dancing and singing and bumps into the little old guy. He cries, “Aaah, you threw off my groove!”  And one of his huge bouncer/servants exclaims, “I’m sorry, but you threw off the emperor’s groove!” and promptly throws the little old guy out the window!

On the way down, 100 stories, he whimpers, “I’m sooooory!”

I have to admit to copping an ungodly attitude when my rhythm is off! I also admit to a tendency to let the rhythm go “off” instead of taking my concerns to the Lord every time.

Only with God’s help can I stay on the path He has chosen for me and let Him order my steps!

I need to remember,

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

No Rest

I’m not very good at resting either!

I’m a bit of a Type-A temperament, so I work hard, and I work best in batches of time. I have a tendency to burn-out if I don’t pace myself well. And I admit, I have a tendency to take on tasks God never assigned to me and that are not aligned with His purposes for me! 

UGH! I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

Only with God’s help can I learn to rest in Him and be fully led by Him!

In her chapter on RHYTHM & REST from Grace Over Grind, Shae Bynes states,

In Matthew 11:28-30, the scripture says that Jesus offers us a life in Him and led by Him, in exchange for the heavy burden of guilt, shame, and religious legalism. He offers us rest for our souls and a new kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Shae Bynes. Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t .  

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines rhythm as movement, fluctuation, or variation marked by the regular recurrence or natural flow of related elements
Example: the rhythms of country life

Well, I don’t know about you, but more often than not, my life and work does not feel rhythmic or “flowing!”

With the rhythm and rest of God in your life and work, you’ll learn to live and work in the unforced rhythms of His grace!

The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Insert Graphic of Bible Verse Matthew 11:28-30, The Message

Matthew 7:24-27 MSG

His Rhythm

In my life and work, rhythm only comes when I have intentionally and purposefully invited God in to my plans and steps before diving into them headfirst! I’m still learning! There is a peace and confidence in knowing that I have brought my desires and plans before Him and waited to hear clear direction from Him before beginning. 

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of… Click To Tweet

Honestly, I have to discipline myself to seek Him first!

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)

Then, waiting on Him poses the greatest challenge. But waiting on Him has become the most rewarding phase as I realize His timing is better than mine. He knows me; He knows those I work for; He will direct if I will submit! In the waiting times, when I delight in His Way, He has begun to teach me to rest more completely.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;…
Psalm 37:23

I’m learning to delight in his Way!

His Rest

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, in her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, discovered after her own period of unrest, that God’s word teaches us to rest physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, sensorily, and creatively. 

And His gifts of rest are even more abundant!

My journey of restorative rest began when I told one of my LPC Counseling Interns/Associates I thought I needed a rest. I had to admit I rarely rest. Even when I look and behave as one serenely rested, I can usually be compared to a duck gracefully gliding along on a smooth and glassy pond. Underneath I’m frantically and furiously paddling – and getting nowhere fast!

With the rhythm and rest of God in your life and work, you’ll learn to live and work in the unforced rhythms of His grace! Click To Tweet

I took her advice and went on a guided spiritual retreat or “quest” with a Texas based company, The Fellowship of the Sword. It changed me! Those 6 days and 5 nights without any link through technology, intimately hearing from the Lord, taught me to rest!      

Again, rest is intentional and purposeful. I have to work toward rest. It takes effort. And the payoff is more generous than I can ever imagine when rest is from the Lord!

Even in rest, I have to allow God’s strength to be made perfect in my weakness in my life and work.

He says,

…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  
2 Corinthians 12:9

Again Shae says,

Think of this scripture from a business context. If you’re tired and worn out, it means that you’re working in your own strength, versus allowing God’s strength to be made perfect in your weakness in your business. Jesus provides you with this offer… keep company with Him through your life and work, and He will be your teacher and show you how to work from rest (freely and lightly) in an unforced rhythm of grace.

Shae Bynes. Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t. 

Your Turn

Challenges:

  1. In what areas of your business/ministry are rhythms flowing smoothly? Praise God for His direction in these areas!
  2. How will you take these areas of your business/ministry to the next level?
  3. Journal for 5 minutes asking the Lord very specific questions about your business/ministry and recording His answers!

Actions:

Read The Partner Post

Each week, Karen Lindwall-Bourg and Valerie Riese each write a post for the Community and Education Webinar. Read the Partner Post here:

Enduring Criticism In Women’s Ministry: A lesson from Mary’s anointing of Jesus in Bethany by Valerie Riese

  • Watch our “The Rhythm and Rest of Your Life and Work” Webinar Replay” where NACWE Member Jerry McLennan talks about Essential Oils from the beginning to the end of the Bible! And Essential Oils are used today to help women find rhythm and rest. https://www.youtube.com/embed/c8G48AfO2Q0
  • POST an encouragement in the ACHIEVE Coaching group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenbourgcompanies
  • Join our Thursday Prayer Calls by phone via free conference calling. All Thursday 8am CST Prayer Calls can be accessed by dialing 1-712-775-8968 / conference code 620259

Blessings,

Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Karen 2018

Numbers 6, ESV

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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