Last year, I started off reminding you that God has three answers for us all: Yes, not yet, and I have something even better for you. I still believe that this is God’s promise to all of us. He is the center, and no matter what happens he is God all by himself. For 2017, I declare this the year of listening for God’s direction.
I have a prayer life which is when I talk to God, but I realized that something was missing from my life; Meditation which is how you clear your mind so that you can listen for God. In the past, God has used visions and dreams to speak to me, but I believe he has been waiting on me to make more time in my daily life for him. I have always been a person of action, but I have come to realize that if I let go of the wheel it will really be amazing where God will drive my bus.
I’m doing a few things to focus on listening for God more this year. I am going back to yoga, that’s the first place I learned to meditate. I have downloaded the app Headspace, to be more mindful of meditation and slowing down. I also plan to fast and pray as a regular practice this year when big decisions are required.
As we celebrate 18 years in business this year, I know that it’s only through God’s grace that this is even possible. Here are my 10 bible verses every small business needs for 2017. Know that you can always access power and glean inspiration from God’s holy word.
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
God knows and sees all. Let the light of God’s presence shine into the deepest recesses of your thoughts. Know that when no one else understands you God loves you perfectly.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own…
As business owners, there are plenty of opportunities to find things to worry about, but resist the urge. Over the last 18 years, I have needlessly worried about making payroll and getting contracts signed. But in all that time God has never forsaken me. I have never missed a payroll, so let go and let God. Stress kills people, so don’t take on worry unnecessarily.
1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
If you walk in the light, and do all you can to honor God he will hear the desires of your heart and in due season, if it is his will, he will answer your prayers. But if you keep up drama and mess, that does not honor God and you will be rewarded accordingly.
Romans 2:23 (NIV)
For all have sinned, and fall short of the Glory of God.
Don’t fall into a perfectionist trap. There are no perfect people walking the Earth. As Christians and business owners we must be tolerant of other’s mistakes. In my business we only have one rule; you are allowed to make mistakes just not the same mistake. Try to lead with compassion and empathy. That will serve you well in strengthening and encouraging your team.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Put your hope in the Lord. Whenever you feel fear, weakness or insecurity, do not be discouraged, just look to the Lord for your strength. Don’t ever forget to activate your power source through prayer.
Psalm 119:27 (NIV)
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
Meditation is function of the mind and the heart. To clear your mind and focus on God’s word, allows his love to become clearer and he calling for our lives becomes clearer as well. It takes time to learn to remove distractions and quiet your mind to meditate, but try it at the start of your day. It’s a worthwhile practice to level set your day. Your goal should always be to stay centered regardless of what comes to you, and meditation is a way to get that perfect peace.
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
When you stay in constant communication with God, you will not wonder which way to go. Don’t be so occupied with future plans, that you forget to make the right decisions today. Live for today. Be present! And when you come to a crossroad our Lord will lead you on the right path.
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Prayer changes things. I was recently having a difficult time with a personal challenge in my life. I prayed for a breakthrough, and I specifically prayed for the person I was struggling with, and I experienced a complete change of heart from this person. It was amazing. I had prayed over this issue before, but the difference was my faith in my prayer. You can’t just pray, you must also believe that God will answer your prayer. Then you must thank God for the revelation.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.
God lives within all of us. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nothing in heaven or on Earth can separate us from God’s love. In times of trouble, it will be important to remember that. Being a child of God is your ultimate protection.
Psalm 116:17 (NIV)
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
Tithing is required of those God has blessed. Even if it’s a small tithe offering, it is important to be a blessing to God’s house. For it is not how much you will give, but how much of God’s blessing will you keep for yourself. In all the years I have been tithing to my church, I have never missed it, in fact God have given to me 10X when I have given to my church. It is truly a blessing to be able to be a blessing to others.
I pray that these words have inspired you to keep working hard in your business, and to look at things from a different perspective. Use these words from the Bible as a source of strength. Give your heart to the Lord and let him direct your path. He will use you to be a blessing through your business.
Have a blessed year.
Thank you Melinda, I am inspired and blessed. Have a bblessed business and life too